Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a festive, creamy appetizer featuring a layer of smooth cream cheese topped with tangy, sweet cranberry sauce. Bright, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s the perfect holiday appetizer or last-minute party dip that pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or pretzels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop / No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or water)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary or chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, crostini, or pretzels, for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let cool completely.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly onto a serving plate or shallow dish.
- Spoon the cooled cranberry topping over the cream cheese layer and spread gently.
- Garnish with rosemary, green onions, or orange zest if desired.
- Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or pretzels.
Notes
- Prepare the cranberry sauce up to 3 days ahead and store separately in the fridge.
- For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeño or drizzle hot honey before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled — both are delicious.
- Whole-berry canned cranberry sauce can be substituted for homemade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-dip/
